PhD researcher on system level view on quantum computing

Quantum computing is garnering a lot of interest and is the becoming a very hot field with lots of teams competing to demonstrate quantum supremacy. It seems that only about 50 qubits are needed to prove quantum supremacy, that is a quantum computer to be faster that any classical computer. However, to solve relevant problems, a lot more qubits are needed, and quantum computers with millions or billions of qubits are the medium to long term targets.

Not only the number of qubits is important, but also the type of qubit to use. Qubits with relatively high coherence time have been demonstrated and first small algorithms have been implemented. However, the final qubit is not designed yet. Also, qubits by themselves do not make a quantum computer. Drive and read-out classical circuitry is a key component of a quantum computer.
The direction to take is not to design the best qubits and the best classical circuitry but to co-optimize the two and insure system level scalability. The purpose of this thesis is to lay the foundations of system level scalability and take a broad view on device and circuit design. In depth work will focus analog circuit design for classical drive circuitry for the qubits.

The thesis will combine design and co-optimization of qubit device structures with control circuitry. This will involve electrical (microwave) device and circuit design and characterization. A background in electrical engineering, nanotechnology, or physics together with interest in quantum computing are ideal.

Supervisors: Wim Dehaene, Iuliana Radu

Daily advisor: Alessio Spessot

The reference code for this PhD position is STS1712-56. Mention this reference code on your application form.